The Ringer-Verse

To live is to pod; to pod is to live! First, Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James react to the latest 'GTA VI' and 'Ocarina of Time' trailers and talk about Ben's hands-on session with the 'Ocarina' remake. Then, they share recommendations for a few recently released games that fit a Halloween theme. After that, they honor the 40th anniversaries of 'Castlevania' and 'Metroid' and the release of 'Castlevania: Belmont's Curse' by bringing on GameSpot's Steve Watts to discuss what "Metroidvania" means, debate whether it's a good name for the genre, review 'Belmont's Curse,' advise a listener on when to look up game solutions, and do a draft of the greatest Metroidvanias across several categories. Finally, Ben and Daniel Chin share their spoiler-free reviews of the big-screen 'Street Fighter' reboot.(00:00) Intro(00:13) 'GTA'/'Ocarina of Time'/spooky-season games(27:42) The Metroidvania Draft(1:54:49) Daniel Chin joins for 'Street Fighter'Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Matt James, Steve Ahlman, Steve Watts, and Daniel ChinSenior Producer: Steve AhlmanSenior Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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The Boys are back and they’re returning to the MCU! They give you all of their thoughts on the first two episodes of ‘VisionQuest,’ diving into the new ensemble cast of Marvel AIs, the return of Ultron, and some of the Marvel Easter eggs we’ve seen so far.

(0:00) Intro

(7:01) Spoilers ahead

(9:57) ‘VisionQuest’ Episodes 1-2 instant reactions

(1:11:13) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, Jamie Yukich, and Kevin Cureghian

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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The Boys are back and they are coming to you from New York City! They give you their thoughts on what they’ve seen so far at NYCC 2026, including news from 'Daredevil: Born Again,' 'X-Men '97,' and the DC-Skydance merger.

(0:00) Intro

(1:53) 'Daredevil: Born Again'

(7:40) Marvel panel

(19:08) 'X-Men '97'

(24:17) 'VisionQuest'

(27:34) ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’

(29:55) DC and Skydance

(44:16) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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Ben brings on Chris Ryan, host of The Watch, to discuss whether Hollywood has hit peak gaming adaptation. First, Chris reminisces about his gaming heyday and how his habit lapsed. Then, as Skydance consolidates its Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount IP, Ben and Chris come up with pitches for video game versions of Taylor Sheridan shows. After that, they examine the latest trend in gaming adaptations: bundling a bunch of gaming properties together in package deals. Finally, they talk about 'GTA VI' hype and how the buzz about the game's soundtrack stands out in 2026, and then Ben provides a few updates and impressions about what he's been playing.

(0:00) Intro(10:25) Skydance news(17:26) Taylor Sheridan pitches(1:01:33) 'GTA VI' updates(1:25:00) Outro

Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Chris RyanProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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The Boys are back and they have new haircuts! With the end of the beloved first season of HBO’s ‘Lanterns,’ the boys are giving you a packed episode! First they discuss their thoughts on the finale and the season as a whole, then they welcome ‘Lanterns’ writer-showrunner–executive producer, Chris Mundy, onto the show!

(0:00) Intro

(8:16) Spoilers ahead

(11:05) ‘Lanterns’ Season 1 finale instant reactions

(1:13:49) Midnight Meter

(1:21:49) A Chat with Chris Mundy

(2:00:17) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Guests: Chris Mundy and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Jamie Yukich, Devon Baroldi, and Aleya Zenieris

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
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